Should You Get a Chow Chow? The Honest Pros and Cons

In the 1980s, the Chow Chow was the sixth most popular dog breed in the United States. Then its numbers fell by about 91 percent.

What happened? Thousands of families brought home a dog that looked like a real-life teddy bear, and many were caught off guard by what came with it. The truth is that this breed has some of the best traits a dog owner could ask for, and a few that make it a poor match for most homes. Here are both sides.

The pros

1. Chows are quiet

This breed rarely barks. You will not hear it yapping at every car or squirrel outside the window. When a Chow does bark, there is usually a reason worth checking. For apartment dwellers and anyone with close neighbors, that alone counts for a lot.

2. They are remarkably clean

Owners often compare a Chow’s habits to a cat’s. They tend to groom themselves, carry very little dog odor, and many house train quickly. A monthly bath is usually enough to keep them fresh.

3. Deep loyalty and natural guarding

Many Chows bond strongly with one person and stay devoted to that person for life. They are also natural guardians. Kennel clubs rate the breed at the top of the scale for protectiveness. A Chow keeps an eye on its home and family without being told to.

4. Moderate energy

A Chow does not need hours of running or a big yard to stay content. Daily walks and a few short play sessions usually cover it. Many prefer a calm routine and are happy to lounge at home with their favorite person.

5. Independence

Chows do not need constant attention, and many handle time alone better than clingy breeds, as long as their exercise needs are met.

The cons

1. Training takes real patience

Chows are smart, but they are stubborn and not eager to please. Repeating a command until a Chow obeys rarely works, and harsh methods tend to backfire. Training takes patience, consistency and rewards, which is why experts often call this breed a challenge for first-time owners. Short, calm sessions work far better than long ones.

2. Wary of strangers and other dogs

Chows are naturally aloof. Kennel clubs rate them low for friendliness with both strangers and other dogs. Without early and steady socialization, that wariness can turn into defensive behavior.

There is a physical reason too: a Chow’s deep-set eyes limit its side vision, so it can startle when someone reaches toward it from the side.

3. That coat is a lot of work

The rough-coated Chow needs brushing about every other day to prevent painful mats. Both coat types shed heavily twice a year, when the undercoat comes out in clumps.

4. Heat is dangerous

That thick double coat makes it hard for a Chow to cool down. Hot, humid weather can become dangerous quickly, so walks need to happen in the cooler hours, and air conditioning is close to a requirement in warm climates.

5. Health issues and a shorter life

Chows are prone to eyelids that roll inward and rub against the eye, along with hip and elbow problems, knee issues, thyroid trouble and skin allergies. Their typical lifespan is 8 to 12 years, shorter than many breeds of similar size. Before buying a puppy, ask the breeder for health test results on both parents.